William Hague and Sadiq Khan clash in House of Commons over 'English votes for English laws'

William Hague and Sadiq Khan clashed in the House of Commons over the government's proposal to introduce "English votes for English laws" to MPs.

Hague, the Commons Leader, argued that the Coalition wants to give the people of England, Wales and Northern Ireland more say over their affairs as well as Scotland after the recommendations set out by the Smith Commission following the Scottish Independence Referendum in September.

The Conservative MP proposed, among other things, banning Scottish MPs from any role in English and Welsh bills and giving English MPs a veto over certain legislation.

The plan would also see the creation of a committee of English MPs able to consider early stages of legislation but not to have the final say.

Hague, the author of The Implications of Devolution for England command paper, also want to "continue with the empowerment of neighbourhoods" in England.

"The aim is to extend community rights and thereby mobilise what Edmund Burke called the 'little platoons', strengthening social and civic responsibility and building social capital – fostering the Big Society," the Conservative Party submission to the paper read.

On the question of "English votes for English laws" the party warned that proposals must be clear, decisive and effective.

"Changes should not significantly increase either the complexity of the legislative process, or the amount of time taken to pass legislation, both of which would be to the detriment of our democracy," the party's submission said.

"Furthermore, the changes must have the effect of helping to bind together the UK for the long term."

Hague explained that his party has set out three options for "English votes for English laws", including reformed consideration of bills at all stages, reformed amending stages of bills and reformed committee stage and legislative consent motions.

The Conservatives plan to seek views on the options and will make an announcement in the New Year on the party's decision to support one of the options.

Sadiq Khan, Labour's Shadow Secretary of State for Justice, said that his party favours the approach outlined in the McKay Commission, which was established in 2012 to deal with the West Lothian Question.

The commission proposed creating a committee of English MP to look over bills that would not apply elsewhere in the UK.

Kahn also warned Hague that there should be "no room for stich-ups" because of the devolution plans.

Elsewhere, the Liberal Democrats have proposed a "Grand Committee", where English MPs can veto English-only bills with English MPs voting on a proportional basis.

"The Liberal Democrat starting point is that for measures which unambiguously affect England only and which are not devolved below the Westminster level, there should be a new parliamentary stage before third reading or equivalent, composed of MPs proportionately representing the votes cast in England to allow them to scrutinise proposals and to employ a veto if they so wish," the party's submission to the command paper read.